October 30, 2016. Eureka Springs, AR. It Is Finished.......for 2016

The Great Passion Play ended it's 2016 season last night, and what a finish it was. It was a night to honor our "service" people (military, veteran, police, fire, EMT, first responders) with free admission to the Play and also a ceremony to rededicate the Christ of Ozarks statue on its 50th anniversary. The crowd was the largest of the season, with over 2,200 in attendance. While the Passion Play in it's heyday attracted over 3,000 per night, five nights a week, last night was a major "wow". The 2,200 represented the largest crowd in the past 10, or so, years.
There was a carnival atmosphere, with many extra people being used for parking duties, transportation of guests around the property, food service, ticket selling, ticket taking, ushering, and a host of other chores. It was a boost for the cast, a fond memory for many of our long-time employees who have been part of the rich history of this ministry over the past 50 years. It was also an encouragement for those looking to the future and the hoped-for growth and expansion of the influence of The Great Passion Play on our region and the wider audience to be reached. Almost 7.8 million people have attended the Play over the years and it is our feeling that many more millions still need to see it.
It's bitter-sweet to think of winterizing the facility, saying our goodbyes, getting ready to be "on the road again" to our winter home in Georgia and the responsibilities we will face there. But we will leave Arkansas more rested than we were the past two years, a little wiser about our abilities and not trying to "do it all ourselves", and knowing that ultimately God is our only "boss", the provider of everything we need and our guide through this life, and our source of hope and expectancy for the life to come. Yes, it is finished for PP 2016..........but never truly FINISHED as long as God is on His throne and our eyes are fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. We press on. Thank You, Lord.


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